Mycophenolate Sodium
About Mycophenolate Sodium
Mycophenolate Sodium belongs to a class of medications called ‘immunosuppressants’ used to prevent the body from rejecting a transplanted organ such as a kidney, heart or liver. Transplant rejection occurs when the recipient’s immune system identifies the transplanted organ as a ‘foreign object’ and attacks it. If it is not treated promptly, it may cause irreversible damage.
Mycophenolate Sodium contains ‘Mycophenolate sodium’ used in the treatment of organ transplant rejection along with another immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory agent. It inhibits T and B lymphocytes (white blood cells that attack foreign cells) and suppresses antibodies' production (identify and kill foreign cells). These effects suppress the immune system so that the transplanted graft is not rejected.
You are advised to take Mycophenolate Sodium for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects, such as diarrhoea, cough, muscle pain, low blood pressure, fever and respiratory infections. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Mycophenolate Sodium for as long as your doctor has prescribed. To avoid recurring symptoms, do not stop it midway. Do not take Mycophenolate Sodium if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Mycophenolate Sodium should not be taken by breastfeeding mothers as it passes into breast milk. Mycophenolate Sodium should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Mycophenolate Sodium may make you more susceptible to infections, consult your doctor if you develop fever, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight, wear protective clothing, and use protective sunscreen with a high protection factor while using Mycophenolate Sodium. Do not contact anyone who has shingles, chickenpox, or measles. Do not take Mycophenolate Sodium if you are not using effective contraception.
Uses of Mycophenolate Sodium
Medicinal Benefits
Mycophenolate Sodium contains ‘Mycophenolate sodium’ which belongs to the class of ‘immunosuppressants’. It is used to prevent organ transplant rejection. It reduces the activity of the immune system by inhibiting the action of white blood cells (responsible for immune reactions) in the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Mycophenolate Sodium
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Cough
- Respiratory infections
- Weakness (asthenia)
- Muscle pain (myalgia)
- Shortness of breath (dyspnoea)
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Organ transplant rejection: When you get a new organ transplanted into your body, your body recognizes it as a foreign element and tries to attack and reject it because it is not originally part of your body. So, immunosuppressant drugs are given to such patients to suppress the immune system, stopping it from attacking the newly transplanted organs. Warnings signs of rejection are flu-like symptoms such as chills, headache, nausea, or vomiting, fever higher than 100o F, newly found pain at the region of the transplanted organ, weight gain and fatigue.
FAQs
Mycophenolate Sodium belongs to the group of medications called ‘immunosuppressants’. It works by weakening the immune system by inhibiting the production of cells or antibodies that attack foreign cells. This effect helps in stopping the immune system from targeting and rejecting the transplanted organ.
Mycophenolate Sodium causes leukopenia (decreased number of white blood cells) and hence may make you more susceptible to infections. Consult your doctor if you develop any signs of infections such as fever, sore throat, breathlessness, jaundice, unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Mycophenolate Sodium. Drink lots of fluids and eat food rich in fibre if you experience diarrhoea. If you find blood in stools (tarry stools) or if you experience prolonged diarrhoea consult your doctor. Do not take anti-diarrheal medicine on your own.
Mycophenolate Sodium can suppress the immune system and can increase the risk of skin cancer. So, it would be best if you avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Also, wear protective clothing covering your head, neck, arms and legs, and use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor).
Mycophenolate Sodium can suppress the immune system. You should not donate blood while using Mycophenolate Sodium and at least 60 days after stopping treatment as it makes you more prone to infections. Besides, men should not donate sperm while using Mycophenolate Sodium for at least 90 days after stopping the treatment.
Some medicines might absorb mycophenolate sodium delayed or absorbed fast if taken concomitantly such as antacids containing aluminium or magnesium, colestipol, cholestyramine or calcium-free phosphate binders. Before taking Mycophenolate Sodium, speak with your doctor about your ongoing medication list. Your doctor will decide whether they should be taken along with Mycophenolate Sodium or not.
The live vaccine may not work while on treatment with Mycophenolate Sodium. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without talking to your doctor first. Also, avoid contact with people who recently had immunizations /vaccinations.
